A Tale of Two Communities:Simple Steps to Starting with Adaptation

Chris KeeleyCommunities & Climate Program Coordinator

I want to hear from you

Climate impacts?

2/19

The Climate Café

Introducing Newfields, NH

• Population: ~1,700• Small degree of major infrastructure• Primarily volunteer government

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Project timelineJanuary-May:

Getting started

June: Identifying

values

July-Nov.: Action

Planning

December: Project wrap-up

Getting started

Work with local leaders. Build relationships.

Make a list of participants.

Get a mix of people to the table!

Newfields Chief of Police & Emergency Management Deputy Director.

January-May: Getting started

June: Identifying

values

July-Nov.: Action

Planning

December: Project wrap-up

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Identifying values

Dinner, climate change presentation, and

discussion.

January-May: Getting started

June: Identifying values

July-November: Action Planning

December: Project wrap-up

7/19

Talkin’ ‘bout vulnerabilitiesHow could _______ (people, infrastructure, or natural resources) be impacted by more flooding, extreme heat, and more frequent or intense storms?

What actions can be taken to address these impacts?

8/19

Result: Focus Areas for Action

9/19

Stormwater Management

Emergency Preparedness

Workgroups get stuff done!

10/19

January-May: Getting started

June: Identifying values

July-November: Action Planning

December: Project wrap-up

Action Planning

Focus Area #1: Stormwater Management

Actions People Costs Timeframe Notes

Outcome #1: A web-based map of stormwater infrastructure that is easy to access and update.

1. Inventory the location, capacity, and condition of stormwater infrastructure.• Contact UNH Civil Engineering

Department about student volunteer project

• Look into NH Coastal Program funding, New England Grassroots Environment Fund, and others

Planning board

PB Chair

Coastal Adaptation Workgroup

None to low

Spring 2013 There are several options for obtaining this information: (a) Incorporate as a CIP action, (b) pursue through volunteer collection, (c) Hire a contractor

… … … … …

SAMPLE

11/19

How has the Climate Café been used in other communities?

Introducing Rye, NH

• Population: 5,200• Extensive wetlands and beaches• Primarily volunteer government

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Workshop #4 – Transitioning into Next StepsConnecting the local “Preparing for Climate Change in Rye” project into an upcoming

regional project.

Workshop #3 – A Field Trip to Rye’s Salt MarshesLearning how salt marshes protect Rye from storm surge, and how sea-level rise affects

salt marshes.

Workshop #2 – What Tools Are Available?Overview of planning and regulatory tools for adaptation (e.g., master plan, zoning,

subdivision and site plan).

Workshop #1 – The Climate Café Climate change presentation, question & answer, small group discussion, prioritization

The Climate Café – A Starting Point

14/19

The Climate Café

Who can help do something about these impacts at the

local, regional, state, or federal levels?

Given the trends in increased frequency of storms, coastal flooding, and sea- level rise, how might these impacts

affect _______ (people, infrastructure or natural resources) in Rye?

Infrastructure

PeopleNatural Resources

15/19

The Climate Café

16/19

The Climate Café

Result: A Summary of Local Concerns

17/19

Get started today! Begin with local knowledge and values.

Demystify climate change -- put it into local words. Involve everybody. Is the Climate Café right for my community?

Low cost Starting point

Take-home points

18/19

Questions?